With the PlayStation 5 launch of Snezhinka, PLAYISM brings the fast-paced, roguelite-infused twin-stick shooter from hinyari9 to a new audience after its initial PC release. Blending arcade-style shooting with resource management and a dystopian narrative, the game delivers an intense but streamlined experience that thrives on replayability.
At the heart of Snezhinka is its protagonist, a contract soldier in a private military company, fighting to uncover the fate of her missing sister. The story unfolds within a bleak world dominated by corporate warfare, setting an oppressive tone that permeates every aspect of the game. While the premise is compelling, the storytelling quickly takes a backseat to the action, offering multiple endings but little in-depth character exploration. That said, moments of dark humor that borders on satire, such as excessive taxation eating away at earnings, add personality to the experience.
Gameplay revolves around defending key structures against waves of robotic enemies while managing limited resources. Players must carefully spend their earnings on weapons, upgrades, and allies, as choosing the right combination can be the difference between victory and failure. The twin-stick shooting mechanics feel tight and responsive, allowing for precise aiming and movement, though some weapons require careful handling due to their limited durability. While the core loop is simple, the addition of tower defense elements and strategic decision-making elevates the experience, especially in challenge modes that remove the narrative and focus purely on survival.
The game’s roguelite structure ensures a degree of variety, with randomized weapons and upgrades encouraging different approaches in each run. However, the short mission structure means individual encounters can end within seconds, leading to a sense of repetition over extended play sessions. The inclusion of multiple playable characters and unlockable content extends the longevity, particularly for those interested in the more competitive side of things.
Visually, Snezhinka employs a pixel-art style that effectively conveys its dystopian world. The animation is fluid, and the environments, while minimalistic, reinforce the game’s grim atmosphere. Character designs are expressive, though the overall presentation prioritizes function over detail. Complementing the action is a high-energy soundtrack that enhances the sense of urgency in combat, keeping players engaged even as they face relentless enemy waves.
Despite its strengths, the transition to consoles presents some minor control challenges. The game was first designed with mouse and keyboard in mind, and while the PlayStation 5 version remains playable, certain weapons feel less precise with an analog stick. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it does make some encounters more frustrating than they might be on PC – so a bit of control tweaking might be needed in a future update.
Snezhinka delivers an enjoyable, arcade-style shooting experience with enough depth to keep players engaged in short bursts. Its mix of frantic combat, strategic upgrades, and atmospheric storytelling creates a compelling loop, though its brevity and repetition may limit its appeal over time. For those who enjoyed Marfusha or are looking for a roguelite shooter with tower defense elements, it’s a solid pick – just don’t expect a deep narrative or extensive lore-rich campaign.
Score: 7.9/10
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